The Smart Girl’s Guide to Saving Money on Everyday Expenses with Advanced Girl Math by Tosha Larios

The Smart Girl’s Guide to Saving Money on Everyday Expenses with Advanced Girl Math by Tosha Larios

Saving money is an important skill, and with Advanced Girl Math, you can make it even easier! Advanced Girl Math is a unique way of looking at finances, using creative strategies to save and make the most of every dollar. Tosha Larios, creator of Advanced Girl Math, has tips that are simple to follow and can help you save in ways you might not have thought of. This guide will show you some clever, practical tips for saving on everyday expenses that you can start using right now.

For more money-saving ideas and smart financial tips, check out Tosha’s other projects like Star Track Farm, where she shares sustainable living tips, or learn about healthy eating on her Food as Medicine blog. You can also stay updated with her STEM insights at STEM with Dr. T and follow her journey on ToshaLarios.com.

1. Smart Grocery Shopping: Use the “Divisible by Four” Rule

One of the best ways to save money on groceries is by using the “Divisible by Four” rule. Tosha Larios recommends dividing your grocery budget by four and only spending one-fourth each week. For example, if your budget is $200 for the month, aim to spend around $50 each week. This helps you avoid overspending early in the month and encourages smarter choices throughout the month. Plus, it forces you to use up what you already have in the pantry, so nothing goes to waste.

This method is a great example of Advanced Girl Math because it involves breaking down a bigger number into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach can make budgeting feel more doable and helps you avoid last-minute impulse buys that add up over time.

2. Try the “Buy Used, Save the Difference” Strategy

Buying used items is another great way to save money. Tosha Larios points out that many items, like furniture, books, and even clothes, can be found in excellent condition at a fraction of the original price. Advanced Girl Math teaches that buying something used at 50% off doesn’t just save you money—it’s like giving yourself a reward. Take that saved amount and put it directly into your savings account, or use it to pay down debt.

This approach encourages mindful spending and rewards you for making frugal choices. Remember, every dollar saved counts, and each small decision adds up over time!

3. Use the “Cash Envelope Challenge” for Fun Savings

Sometimes saving money needs to be a little fun to stick with it. Tosha Larios suggests trying the Cash Envelope Challenge, which involves setting a certain amount of cash in envelopes for specific expenses. For instance, you might have envelopes for “Groceries,” “Entertainment,” and “Miscellaneous.” When the money in an envelope runs out, you’re done spending in that category for the week. This challenge teaches discipline, helps you stick to your budget, and makes saving feel like a game.

If you want more tips on practical, day-to-day budgeting, Tosha Larios offers plenty of insights on her website at ToshaLarios.com.

4. Make “Do-It-Yourself” a New Habit

Doing things yourself can save a surprising amount of money. Whether it’s preparing meals, doing small home repairs, or making your own beauty products, DIY can keep money in your pocket. Tosha Larios recommends starting with small things—like making your own coffee instead of buying it daily, or doing a weekly meal prep session to avoid takeout. DIY projects not only save money, but they can also be fun and satisfying to accomplish.

Plus, Tosha shares many DIY tips for living sustainably and affordably on her Star Track Farm website, where she focuses on eco-friendly living.

5. “The Round-Up Trick” for Effortless Saving

One of the easiest Advanced Girl Math tricks Tosha Larios uses is the Round-Up Trick. Every time you make a purchase, round up to the nearest dollar and set the difference aside in savings. For example, if you spend $7.45 on lunch, round it up to $8.00 and save the extra $0.55. This simple habit can lead to significant savings over time without feeling like a sacrifice.

Many banks offer round-up features that automatically transfer the difference to your savings account. Or, you can manually set the money aside at the end of each day or week. It’s a small change, but over a month or year, it can really add up!

6. “Invest in What You Love” Rule

One of the fun parts of Advanced Girl Math is learning to spend wisely on things you genuinely enjoy. Tosha Larios believes that if you love something, like a hobby or activity, it’s okay to invest a little more in it—as long as you cut back on other non-essential spending. For example, if you love painting, invest in quality supplies, but skip the daily takeout coffee. By focusing your spending on what makes you happiest, you’ll feel more fulfilled and avoid wasteful purchases that don’t bring you joy.

7. Automate Your Savings with a 24-Hour Delay

Impulse buying can be one of the biggest budget-busters. Tosha Larios advises setting up a 24-hour rule for all online purchases. Before hitting “buy now,” wait a full day to see if you still want it. Many times, that urge will pass, saving you money and preventing clutter.

Some people even use a special “wish list” or cart to store items they’re considering. By waiting, you can avoid those instant decisions and make sure you’re spending intentionally.

8. Embrace “Minimalism Lite”

Minimalism doesn’t mean getting rid of everything, but rather focusing on what you truly need and love. Tosha Larios suggests practicing “Minimalism Lite” by regularly decluttering and asking yourself if each item you own still has value in your life. Selling unwanted items is also a great way to make some extra cash.

Tosha’s Advanced Girl Math is all about keeping what’s important and saying goodbye to what’s not. Living with less can help you focus on experiences rather than things, which often leads to more savings and less stress.

For more lifestyle tips on living simply and sustainably, visit Star Track Farm and follow Tosha Larios on her main site.

Start Saving Today with Advanced Girl Math

With these Advanced Girl Math strategies from Tosha Larios, you can start saving money in ways that are simple and effective. From the “Divisible by Four” rule to the “Cash Envelope Challenge,” each of these techniques encourages smarter spending and helps you build up your savings without stress. The key is to make these small changes part of your routine, so they become second nature.

Tosha Larios is dedicated to helping people make the most of their money while living a fulfilling life. To learn more about her work, check out her other blogs like Food as Medicine for health insights, Star Track Farm for sustainable living, and STEM with Dr. T for educational resources.

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